The Greatest Show on Earth

Our Mansfield Thiot’s
When the Barnum and Bailey Circus Train pulled into town, we started making plans to go with the Mansfield Thiot’s. Brooklyn and Addison were both excited and Friday nights performance worked out best for us to go with them. Ricky got some sweet tickets and we had such a fun time watching the Tigers, the clowns, the trampoline jumpers, the tight rope walkers and yes if you can believe it, a motorcycle went on the tight rope too. Oh my goodness, those Circus folks are some of the bravest or craziest folks on the planet earth. We loved watching all their amazing tricks and stunts. Thanks for inviting us to go with you Mansfield Thiot’s. We were wishing that Keelie had been close by to come too.
Our Dallas Granges
On Friday, Jake had a test and officially completed his first area of rotation in Neurology and will head to Garland on Monday for his next area in a family practice doctors office for the next 3 weeks. He’s looking forward to learning much, much more. Tatia’s had a good week filled with visiting teaching and getting together with friends at the pool to try to keep cool. We’ve had an extra warm month of July. We here August promises to be even warmer so the pool is a great way to enjoy the heat. Penny will turn 3 months old this week. It’s hard to believe. She’s learned to giggle and loves to clap her hands and just giggle. What a fun little girl she is.
Our Carmichael Thiot’s
I had a good visit with Charlie on his way home from work on Wednesday. He was looking forward to going to scouts as they were working on their Personal Management Merit Badge. That’s the one you have to keep track of all your earnings and all your spending for 3 months and keep it all documented. It seems like that is a real challenge for young scouts to do, he was trying to think of ways to motivate them to keep it up. Charlie was a great boy scout and I’m sure is a mighty fun Scout Leader. Dick wishes he was in our ward serving the guys but I guess we have to share him with California boys too. Charlie sent Dick a cute picture of Keelie and Callum last night. That is the funnest thing ever when a picture appears on your phone. Thanks Charlie!
Our LA Thiot’s
Pierce called on Saturday afternoon and it was fun to catch up with him and Stacy. He was on his way back to the office where he had already worked 60+ hours and was thinking it would probably end up in the 70’s again. He was bragging about the beautiful weather and just sounded great. He and Stacy did get a chance one night this week to head to the beach for some fun and you’ll have to peek at Stacy’s blog where she spotted her first STAR in the grocery store. What a fun place to live.
Our BYU Thiot
I got a call from Skyler on Thursday morning telling me he was in Las Angeles with his roommate Chris Martin. Chris’s brother Jerry was getting married on Thursday morning in the LA Temple and Chris decided Wednesday night that he really wanted to be there. So he talked Sky into being his co pilot and they made the all night drive to California arriving just in time for the ceremony. Sky was hoping to get to pop in on Pierce at his office, but time didn’t allow that to happen. I was smiling all day thinking I had two boys oops men in LA at the same time. Even though they didn’t get to see each other, it was a sweet feeling for this mom. Sky and Kara are busy making wedding plans and getting as much done before fall semester starts up next month.
We Plain’Ol Empty Nesters
When Charlie was a little boy, the circus would come to Salt Lake the first week of October which is right when his birthday is. Several years, we went with our family and sometimes our big family to the circus for his birthday. We loved it and it brought back lots of memories going with Ricky’s family this weekend. We had a great time. This was kind of temple week for Dick and I. Our ward went on Tuesday night and then Dick brought our Youth on Thursday afternoon for baptisms and then I got to go on Friday and Tatia and Jake came when I got off on Friday afternoon and Penny and I got to be partners. Now today, Sunday, Dick is teaching the 5th Sunday combined Priesthood and Relief Society about the temple. He was telling me as he was preparing last night that when we got married only 32 years ago, there were only 17 temples on the planet earth, and today there are 134 operating temples and 15 more announced and under construction. That’s a lot of growth in temples. He said 85% of the members of the church, live within 200 miles of the temple. That is the best news of all. Nearly everyone can get to the temple in not too long. We are so blessed to be just 30 minutes away from ours. The Primary has also been learning about the temple this month and our visiting teaching message was about coming to the temple. Maybe that’s why it’s been on my mind so strongly this week. I do love the temple.
Earlier in the week, I had noticied when the sprinklers come on at 5 am, that they were not working right, so Saturday, Dick played Sprinkler repair man and did a great job of repairing them. Hopefully the grass will come back to life soon. Have a great week ya’ll, SLY Robynn

Our Engaging Edition

Our BYU Thiot
Skyler for sure had the most Engaging news of the whole family this week. He and Kara are Engaged and are excited to be planning a December wedding in Big D, yes in my most favorite temple, the Dallas Temple. I am sooo excited for both of them and for our whole family to be adding a new daughter to our family! Hooray for Sky and Kara! Congratulations you two.

Our Mansfield Thiot’s
We had a mid week meeting up with the Mansfield Thiot’s. The Movie Rio is at the Dollar Theatre in Plano, and I had heard really good things about it and wanted to go with Brooklyn and Addison. Ricky and Becky humored me and came Tuesday night to 75 cent night and we had a great time. The movie was even better than I had been told and we all enjoyed it. Thank You for coming Mansfield Thiot’s! A fun thing that happened to me this week was on Sunday when Ricky asked if Brooklyn could have a sleep over. The best news of that was that not only did we get Brooklyn, but Addison wanted to stay over too. We were doubly pleased and so enjoyed having those little women here with us.

Our Dallas Granges
Something unusual happened to the missionaries living with us on Tuesday. We knew that one was being transferred as his two year commitment was up but the other one was also transferred, which gave us two new elders on Tuesday. We said our goodbyes to Elder Blake and Elder Seegmiller and after they departed, I went upstairs to check things out. At that point, I had 2 hours before the new Elders moved in. I could tell I needed an extra set or two of hands, so I called my best housekeeping helpers, Miss Tatia and Miss Penny. They were here in 45 minutes and jumped right in helping me prepare the rooms for the new elders. Thank you BOTH for your good works. When our new Elder Christensen and Elder Sinclair arrived, it looked move in ready.

Our Carmichael Thiot’s
One of our new missionaries is from the Sacramento area. I can’t even tell you how nice it is to have him here with us. I guess, it’s a tiny bit like having Charlie’s family here. I keep hoping Keelie’s going to sneak into her room and give us a phone call on her mom’s phone one day. I so enjoy hearing about it when she calls family members a little bit accidentally. Brooklyn and Addie were sure wishing we had Keelie here to play with today and I’m sure Penny was wishing for Callum to come play too. Cousins make the very best friends!

Our LA Thiot’s
I had a good visit with Pierce on Saturday and he updated me on how they are getting settled into his new job and their new place. They were on their way to the beautiful Las Angeles temple Saturday afternoon and then a trip to the beach following that. Pierce loves his job and was happy to report that his ONE award he won had arrived in the mail and he had it properly displayed on his shelf at work. Stacy was thrilled to find some area rugs to put down to protect their pretty hard wood floors. She had hunted all week and was thrilled when they found some they loved and could afford. I can’t wait for photos.

We Plain’Ol Empty Nesters
Dick’s week was jam packed full this week. I’m not sure how he possibly could have squeezed in one more event. It was so full that he literally gave up sleeping for the week and ran pretty much 20-22 hour days each day trying to get every commitment done that he had made. As sometimes happens when this happens, his body helps him remember he is human and not a machine and he’s been feeling pretty lousy for the past day or two. He did call me today and invite me in honor of Pioneer Day to go see the new movie 17 Miracles. I had heard about it prior to our trip to Utah and really wanted to go, but didn’t ever have the time to go. When we heard it was going to be in Plano this week, we both wanted to see it. It’s about the Willy Handcart Company and it very well done. I’ve been reading some family histories and this really brought them to life. What difficult and amazing sacrafices these dear people made to cross those plains and go to Zion. One sister in the movie was quoted as saying prior to her dying on the trail, that it would all be worth it for her family to have the Gospel of Jesus Christ. It truly made me grateful for my Pioneer ancestors and for all of those who gave so much. Thank you Dick for taking me. Maybe one of the nicest blessings was that as I was walking in, so was the Bianez family, Brother Bianez works as a Plano Police officer and works for the theatre as security on the weekends. His family gets to go to the movies for FREE and he invited Dick and I to be part of the Bianez family tonight and treated us. Very Nice!
For most of the week, I was busy preparing for our Ward Pioneer Activity.. Our Ward hasn’t had a Pioneer activity for years and the Primary was in charge and I loved getting to help and organize the event. It turned out well and I think everyone who came enjoyed themselves and left being grateful for the Pioneers. A little Dutch oven cobbler never hurts to encourage people to come. YUMMY! I hope you’ve had a good week and one more shout of congratulations to Sky and Kara!!!! Sure love ya’ll!

Moving along...

Our Mansfield Thiot’s
I’m delighted to report that Ricky’s interview in Boston went well. Not only did he get to attend a Red Sox game, but he came home with a new job. The best news is that it is NOT in Boston, but he will have the Texas and Oklahoma region for sales. Yahoo! It will require quite a lot of travel but has some great opportunities. We are all hoping and praying that this will be a marvelous opportunity for the Mansfield Thiot’s. Becky got to enjoy a girls night out when friend Jenn was in town this week. Ricky loved hanging out with his little girls and Becky had a great time with girl friends. Ricky saved his family $658. 32 on Saturday. That’s a fine chunk of change. The power door locks went out in his car and when he took it in to have them repaired, he about died when they quoted him the price. Fortunately, he is sharp and quite handy and was able to replace the two back doors on Saturday and next week when the front door parts come in, he will do the front doors. Go Ricky!
Our Dallas Granges
This was a great week for Jake as he got his test results back. If you see him, you will notice a BIG smile on his face. All his hard work and studying and more studying truly paid off. He done GOOD! He is quite enjoying this new phase of life where he has to be at the hospital at 6:00 in the morning and get’s to follow up with patients who have suffered from strokes. He marvels at the progress many of them are making and enjoys helping and encouraging them. Even though his test results made him happy this week, there is something that made him even happier, and that was having Tatia and Penny return home on Tuesday evening. He missed those cute girls and they missed him. Tatia and Penny had a marvelous time in Utah and loved getting to see so many family members and dear friends. Penny scored an A++ on airplane traveling. She slept the whole way and the whole way home. Go Penny Elaine!
Our Carmichael Thiot’s
Our Sweet Carmichael Thiot’s had quite an “Adventure” on the way to Utah. Car troubles hit about two hours into the trip. They were troupers and ended up renting a car to make the drive to Utah. Thank you Thank you for all you endured $$$ to make that trip possible. We LOVED getting to see you and your darling children. Keelie and Callum are just darling and we so enjoyed getting to spend time with ALL of you. It was great to get to see Kelzie, Mackenzie’s little sister too. Sisters are the best! The car took longer to repair than hoped so Mackenzie has been grounded all week. I’m sure they will all be grateful when the car is fixed and they treck back to Reno to pick it up.
Our LA Thiot’s
Dick got a text message from Pierce about an hour ago telling him that in fact they are now the Los Angeles Thiot’s instead of the San Fran Thiot’s. Pierce starts his new job in the morning and they arrived in LA early this morning. Apparently, a MAJOR freeway was closed on Saturday and made travel nearly impossible. They changed plans and left in the middle of the night hoping to keep traffic to a minimum. Now for the unpacking and settling in. I’m sure it won’t be long before they have that home looking as cute as the other three they have lived in. I wish I could make you a big pan of manicotti and drop it off to help you settle in you two. Good luck and happy unpacking if there is such a term.
Our BYU Thiot
We sure enjoyed seeing so much of Skyler and Kara while we were in Utah. I don’t think we saw them apart. What a cute and happy couple they are. Skyler promised me a Sunday phone call later today to catch me up on his busy life. Skyler and Kara were sure the heroes and entertainers with all the little ones on our trip. Last Saturday night, we went up Millcreek Canyon for a hot dog cookout and each time the little girls wanted to leave the camp site, they had to take and Eagle Scout with them. Guess who was the Eagle of choice, you guessed it, Skyler and he got to choose a partner to go with him, guess who that was, yep, it was Cute Kara. They did a super job with those little ones and they all said when they go again they want to invite Sky and Kara to come too. I loved it.
We Plain’Ol Empty Nesters
Dick returned last Saturday night and I returned on Tuesday with Tatia and Penny. It was wonderful to get to enjoy the cooler weather in Utah and the great family and friends there. The wedding was lovely and being in the Mt. Timp Temple with so much family that I love was my best. To see that sweet couple sealed for Time and Eternity put a huge smile on my face. I loved having both my parents, my two sisters and one of my brothers there along with Dick and 60% of my children there. WOWSERS It was wonderful. Kara was a wonderful babysitter tending Penny and helping with Keelie and Callum in the waiting room down stairs. It’s always nice to go on a trip and always nice to come back home. Next Saturday, our Primary is in charge of a ward Pioneer Day Activity. I’ve had a fun week making preparations for that event and even more fun to come this week. Hope you’ve had a good one. Sure love ya’ll, Robynn

Happy Six Months Callum Jay!

Happy Six Months to you Callum Jay! I LOVED getting to spend last week with you. What a dear, sweet baby you are. I love you right to pieces!

SLY

Your Grammy

4th of July Thiot Times

Our Mansfield Thiot’s
Our Mansfield Thiot’s were invited to Houston for the 4th of July weekend and they were excited to go until Ricky got news that he has a 2nd interview for a job in Boston on Tuesday and he needs to study to be prepared for the interview. So they decided to celebrate in their own home town for the Independence Day celebration. Mansfield had some great fireworks on Friday night and the little girls LOVED it. They parked pretty close but no so close that it was soooooooooooo loud so it was just right. Brooklyn and Addie made friends with the little girl parked next to them and had a great time. We are going to see them tomorrow at Tatia and Jake’s and Penny place for a swim and for lunch. YAHOO!
Our Dallas Granges
Tatia and Becky planned a crafting project together and the fun things was that they came to my house to do it. Yahoo again! The little girls and I made some strawberry jam while the big girls worked on their project. We also got some swimming time in and just had a really good time together. Miss Penny was a champion napper and slept through most of the fun. Miss Penny did come on Saturday afternoon while he mom and dad went to see Larry Crowne, a new movie with Tom Hanks and Julia Roberts. Dick and I had gone on Friday night and LOVED it. It was so fun to have Penny hang out with us while they went. Thanks for sharing her with us!
Our Carmichael Thiot’s
Our Carmichael Thiot’s were planning to go visit with the San Fran Thiot’s this weekend but had a change of plans when Pierce got a job offer in LA and Stacy and PJ headed south for an apartment hunting weekend. Keelie was so looking forward to a visit with Uncle Peaches as she lovingly calls Pierce. Charlie is going to girls camp this week to do the ropes course with the girls. He has done quite a lot of training getting ready for this week. Good Luck Charlie and Good luck being a single mom Mackenzie.
Our San Fran Thiot’s
Pierce called Dick on Friday afternoon to tell him the exciting news that he had received a job offer from Chiat Day in Los Angeles starting in a few weeks. This is the company that was Pierce’s dream job and so he is most excited and so looking forward to this next chapter in his life. They have LOVED their few months in San Fran and have enjoyed exploring the sites and sounds and tastes of San Francisco. Happy House Hunting. Enjoy your last week of being an intern Mr. Pierce.
Our BYU Thiot
Skyler has been under the weather for the past few days. I am hoping you are feeling a bit better today Skyler. It’s no fun when you have so much to do to feel crummy. Kara’s parents are in town for the July 4th weekend and he was hoping to be able to enjoy their company too. We are praying you feel better soon Skyman!
We Plain’Ol Empty Nesters
It seems like it was yesterday when I was writing the Thiot Times. What a speedy week this has been. Our Church building is being renovated as they are replacing the carpet and so we were not able to use the building at all this week and not even today for Sunday services. The Plano 1st ward who meets at the Stake center invited our ward to come and be their guests. It was delightful to be there with them as there are many people in that ward who I love. Our Primary children did a super job of fitting it with theirs and we all had a great time. It was wonderful being a guest and not having to be in charge of anything except being their to enjoy it. I told Dick that I wouldn’t mind doing that every week. He just laughed.
I’m getting excited for this coming Wednesday. Dick and I and Tatia and Penny will be departing for Salt Lake for a few days to be at my niece’s wedding latter this week. I can hardly wait to be there and see family. Charlie, Kenzie, Keelie and Callum are hoping to come too. I’m keeping my fingers crossed that it will work for them to come. I haven’t seen Callum since he was 2 weeks old and now he’s almost 6 months. Get ready for lots of hugging time Callum Jay! Grammy has missed you a LOT. It will be wonderful to see Keelie too and I can’t wait for all my family to get to meet Miss Penny. My camera is charging it’s battery as we speak so I can take lots of pictures. Tatia and I are planning on having a photo taken with my Mom and with Penny which will be FOUR generations, that’ll be awesome!
As you may have guessed, between computer problems at work and people troubles at church, Dick is staying busy and keeping mostly out of trouble. I’m always amazed at how much he gets done during the 24 hours of his days. WOWSERS!
I have always loved the July 4th Weekend. My favorite colors are red white and blue and I just plain love AMERICA. I’m not sure if being born in July gives you that built into your DNA or how it works, but I’m surely grateful to live in this promised land and proud to be an American. I hope you all have a happy and safe weekend and can feel that love for America too. SLY Robynn